Combatants Will Be Dispatched - Volume 1 - Chapter 5.8

8 

It’s currently a little past 2200 hours. The world outside is already dark, and the air is alive with the sound of chirping insects. 

“Well, damn… How the hell am I supposed to say no to that? …Should we just make a run for it now? Nah, I guess it’d be best to wait until the Demon Lord’s Army is here and then slip away during the chaos…” 

After soaking in the barracks bath, I mutter to myself as I head to Tillis’s room. 

“Well…in the worst-case scenario, Tillis said she’d find a way to get us out of here…” 

Tillis has requested that Alice and I escape by air once the Demon Lord’s Army breaches the city walls and begins invading the city. Unfortunately, with my current point total, there’s no way I could requisition something like an airplane. 

…And at that exact moment… 

“Hey! It’s the boss!” 

Rose’s sharp eyes catch a glimpse of me just as I’m exiting the bath, and she cheerfully calls out to me from across the hall. She politely nods in my direction as she wheels Grimm toward me. Grimm’s eyes twinkle with amusement. 

“Commander! I heard you left because you couldn’t stand Snow’s sexual harassment any longer, so what are you doing here?” 

“Grimm! I told you not to believe those rumors! They’re vicious lies he’s been spreading!” 

Snow makes her presence known, barking angrily as she stalks up next to the other two. 

“Tillis asked that I stay in the castle until tomorrow. But she did give me permission to run away if things get too hairy.” 

“That’s great! Boss, if you’re defending Princess Tillis, we’ll have nothing to worry about.” 

I see they’ve convinced themselves that I’ve been hired on to protect the princess. Given Rose’s high-spirited giggles, I can’t bring myself to tell her the truth about Tillis’s request. Instead, I just smile. 

“…If Her Highness requested your presence herself, it’s not for me to question it…but this adds a new type of concern. Six, you better not spread any of your ludicrous lies to the princess, or worse, sexually harass her! Got it?” 

“When you put it that way, I can’t say I’m not tempted.” 

“Don’t even think about it! I’m serious this time, understand? You better not try it!!” 

I smile as I look over the three of them and ask the question that’s been bugging me all evening. 

“Where are you lot going to be stationed tomorrow?” 

Based on how our squad was treated in the past, I’m worried they’re going to be positioned right on the front lines. 

“Hmph! Not to worry. Grimm and Rose are members of the Royal Guard. And just as the name implies, the Royal Guard is going to be guarding royals like the king and princess. Tomorrow we’ll be the last line of defense, positioned by the front gate.” 

I admit I feel a bit of relief at knowing my acquaintances won’t immediately be in harm’s way. 

“Don’t you dare die on me tomorrow. If things get desperate, forget about the kingdom and run, all right?” 

In response to those words… 

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Snow cries. “We’re the Royal Guard! We’d sooner choose an honorable death than a disgraceful retreat! Isn’t that right?!” 

““Uh.”” 

………… 

“We’ll do our best tomorrow!” says Rose. “And, Boss, if things get too dangerous, take Princess Tillis and get out safely, okay?” 

“I’ll be awake tomorrow, so don’t worry about me! I refuse to die single! I’ll definitely survive and find myself a wonderful groom!” Grimm adds. 

“You two! What do you mean, ‘Uh’? Y-you’ll stay, right? You’ll be here with me until the very end, right?” 

Well, if this scene is any indication, I think they’ll manage somehow. 

“…What are you smiling about? Quit it, it’s disturbing. And just so there’s no confusion, I’m only tolerating you because the princess wants you here. I still haven’t forgiven you.” 

All I was doing was enjoying a moment of pride over how tough my subordinates have become, and she’s calling my smile disturbing? 

“What’s your problem? How do you even walk from place to place with your butthole puckered so tightly all the time? That’s why Heine of the Flames won’t take you seriously.” 

“Y-you son of a…! Do you know how much these two worried when I ran you out of the castle?” 

I pretend to pick some wax out of my ear with my pinkie instead of paying attention, letting out a sigh at the predictably short-tempered Snow. 

“Yeah, yeah. I repent, or whatever.” 

“…………” 

Snow draws her sword without a word, and I drop into a defensive crouch and start backing slowly away. 

“Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha! You never change, Boss. Even when we can’t be sure we’ll live to see tomorrow, you’re still butting heads with Miss Snow… I think I finally get it now. You’re like an old married couple! I’ll try not to get in your way from now on.” 

Rose claps her hands together happily, laughing in delight. 

“You know…your flirting is kind of obnoxious…so obnoxious, in fact, I’m tempted to curse you. I mean, Snow, you were so dark and depressed after the commander left, and now look at you! You’re practically giddy.” 

“Now that you mention it…Miss Snow is much more animated.” 

“Fine, if that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll take on all three of you! It’ll be a warm-up for tomorrow. All three of you need some discipline!” 

And then, as if signaling the start of her discipline regime, Snow slashes at me with her sword. 

Rose doesn’t bother to stop Snow and instead watches with a smile. 

“You know, I think I like our squad best when Boss is in command. It’s just…comforting.” 

“I can’t say I dislike it, either. The commander may be a hopeless pervert, but he’s generous with the tabs.” 

I dodge another slash as these two happily make comments next to me. 

“Whatever! One of you stop her! What’ll you do if I die before the battle?!” 

The peaceful night wears on.